XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

Job Description for Commercial Pilot

A commercial pilot is an aviator who controls the flight of the airplane under their command. This is a job requiring moderate physical ability as well as exceptional mental acuity and focus; after all, the pilot is the person most responsible for the correct operation and overall well-being of the airplane that is being flown. Usually, a commercial pilot will be flying a plane that is transporting a combination of cargo and passengers. The pilot will first be responsible for surveying the condition and maintenance of the plane that is scheduled to fly. Virtually all pilots must have acquired extensive education in both flight training and safety education before they will be allowed to pilot commercial aircraft. Pilots must also be certified and continually reviewed to ensure that their proficiency does not decline. If necessary, from time to time, a pilot will attend courses or conferences that teach or inform about new aircraft, technology, or operational procedures. Once a prospective pilot is equipped with the prerequisite certifications, that pilot will take steps to gain employment at one of the airline companies or any private company that hires a roster of personal commercial pilots. Upon arriving at work, each pilot will be assigned a specific airplane to fly. It is critical, therefore, that a pilot first gains then maintains a thorough knowledge of the plane's structure and mechanisms. This aspect of the job will likely involve some outdoor supervision as well as inside inspections. After coordinating with the mechanics and service personnel to ensure that the scheduled plane is fueled and in sterling working order, the pilot will then switch over to communicating and coordinating with airport and flight traffic personnel to both ensure that all safety and legal procedures be followed and to expedite the departure of the plane in order to remain on-time for takeoff. The pilot will then prepare for the actual departure of the plane. At this stage, the pilot will coordinate with the co-pilot and other flight personnel to run through all operational and situational pre-flight procedures, such as verifying the functionality of the plane's dashboard sensors or checking the stock of refreshments available for the flight. The pilot will then sit down into the captain's chair and ready the plane for takeoff once all passengers have boarded and all cargo has been secured in the cargo hold. The pilot will greet the flight's passengers, detailing standard flight procedures and guidelines for the passengers to follow during both trouble-free flights and turbulent flights. Once cleared for takeoff, the pilot will assume full command of the aircraft and navigate it onto the runway for takeoff. Here is where the pilot's full knowledge and experience of flying become essential, for a commercial pilot is directly responsible for successfully taking off, ascending to cruising altitude, and operating a smooth and safe flight once airborne. The pilot will alertly keep abreast of all in-flight situations, signals, personnel, and flight data during the entirety of the flight. Upon arriving near the flight's destination, the commercial pilot will again draw again knowledge and experience to descend and land the aircraft safely and smoothly. A pilot usually thanks the passengers for traveling. After the plane empties of luggage and passengers, the pilot will be responsible for wrapping up all post-flight procedures and ensuring that the appropriate individuals are notified of all pertinent flight details. It is only after all routine and situation-dependent tasks are completed that a pilot will become free to either take a short break before the next schedule flight or depart from the terminal to head off-duty. Overall, the job of a commercial pilot involves a substantial level of professionalism, proficiency, safety supervision, and operational dexterity. However, many pilots find great satisfaction in being the friendly flier that transports people to places across the planet.